Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the apples until coated. Place half of the bread in the baking dish.
Top with half the apple mixture and half the pecans. Repeat layering. In a blender container, blend the cottage cheese, milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour over the bread mixture.
With the back of a spoon, gently push the apple mixture and bread into the egg mixture until the bread is no longer dry.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Top with a dollop of additional cottage cheese, if desired.